THE RUGBY WORLD CUP LIVE ON ITV

PRESS PACK

RISE FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP – EXCLUSIVE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE ON ITV

As kick-off rapidly approaches, ITV looks forward to exclusive comprehensive coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2019 with a stellar line-up of rugby’s biggest names.

With teams both on the ground in Japan and in the UK, every game of the tournament from the opening match, Japan v Russia on Friday September 20

through to the Final in Yokohama on November 2 will be broadcast live and in evening highlights shows on ITV and ITV4.

Mark Pougatch leads the presentation team alongside Craig Doyle and Martin Bayfield, with Jill Douglas presenting from Japan throughout the tournament, capturing the colour and excitement of the first Rugby World Cup to be staged in Asia.

ITV have designed an interactive studio set in the UK that allows the pundits to demonstrate physical analysis in the programmes, creating the platform for some of rugby’s biggest names to bring viewers fresh perspectives and insights into the sport.

Expert analysis comes from a formidable pundit line-up including Jonny Wilkinson, Sam Warburton, Brian O'Driscoll, Bryan Habana, Sir Clive Woodward, Paul O'Connell, Gareth Thomas, George Gregan, Sir Ian McGeechan, Lawrence Dallaglio, Maggie Alphonsi, Gareth Anscombe, Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Lynagh, Danny Care, Mike Phillips and Jim Hamilton.

Co-commentators include rugby figures with a wealth of experience, including Jamie Roberts, Ben Kay, Ugo Monye, Shane Williams, Scott Hastings, Danielle Waterman and Alan Quinlan.

David Flatman will combine reporting and co-commentary duties in Japan while Gabriel Clarke will provide reports, interviews and insights from the teams competing in Japan. Match commentary comes from Nick Mullins, Miles Harrison, Martin Gillingham and Simon Ward. ITV’s coverage will also feature the iconic Rugby World Cup anthem, World In Union, sung in a new, specially-recorded version by Emeli Sande as its theme music, which will also feature Japanese star, Sarah Alainn. Viewers will be able to watch and engage with Rugby World Cup coverage at any time with ITV Sport’s digital offer, which is bigger and better than ever before. Fans can watch all games live and on the go with our ITV Hub app with short highlights of every match, exclusive interviews, top moments of the day and much more on our dedicated Rugby World Cup site: itv.com/rugbyworldcup2019.

Twitter account @ITVRugby will feature all the tries and key moments of live broadcast games just seconds after they happen and our Instagram and Facebook accounts will take you behind the scenes in Japan with regular takeovers from our talent. Following the success of the ITV Rugby Six Nations Podcast, Flats and Shanks (former England and Wales internationals David Flatman and Tom Shanklin) will return to host the ITV Rugby World Cup podcasts throughout our time in Japan. Episodes will begin on 9 September and continue every Monday and Thursday throughout the tournament, featuring interviews with the stars of the Rugby World Cup and input from our talent. The dynamic duo will also host special six-episode series 'Flats and Shanks in Japan' on the ITV Hub ahead of the tournament. If you missed anything from any day at the World Cup then the ITV Hub has you covered with a short-round up video on every match day, including all the tries, funny moments, comments from our pundits and classic moments from previous tournaments. And to ensure big moments bring fans together and are not missed by people on the move, in partnership with Ocean Outdoor, ITV will be bringing highlights from all the big games at the Rugby World Cup to outdoor screens up and down the country. As part of this, the England versus France game will be shown live on the large full motion screen in Westfield Square, London on Saturday, October 12 (kick off 9.15am) With the opening group phase peppered with standout clashes including England v France, Australia v Wales, Ireland v Scotland and New Zealand v South Africa, the ITV team is already predicting the most open tournament in history as they look forward to bringing viewers the experience and spectacle of the Rugby World Cup taking place in Asia for the first time. ITV’s Rugby World Cup coverage is part of our portfolio of top-class sporting events, which also includes the Six Nations, exclusive free-to-air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, top level boxing, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open. Press contact: Tom Hodson on 020 7157 3015 or tom.hodson@itv.com Picture contact: Peter Gray on 020 7157 3046 or peter.gray@itv.com

PRESS PACK INTERVIEWS

MARK POUGATCH

Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time? There’s always excitement surrounding a World Cup but this time that’s heightened even more because it looks like being the most open World Cup there’s ever been. The All Blacks remain favourites but they’ve shown signs of fragility, Wales come in as Grand Slam Champions, Ireland will be looking to find their form of 2018, England are more than capable if not consistent at the moment and South Africa are improving all the time. That prospect whets the appetite and it’s against the backdrop of the most fascinating, intriguing country in Japan. It should be six weeks to remember.

Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup and why? Much as I want to say the Grand Slam Champions Wales or England on their day or even a resurgent South Africa, the head says the way the All Blacks destroyed Australia in the return match in Auckland shows why they’re favourites and I suspect they will defend their title. Experience, nous, skill, savvy. It’s a winning cocktail. Which players are you looking forward to watching? Beauden Barrett, whether he plays at fly half or full back for New Zealand, simply one of the best in the world and Joe Cokanasiga whose extraordinarily dextrous handling skills lit up Twickenham when he played against Italy in the 6 Nations and led to comparisons with the great Jonah Lomu. Who - whether a team or player - do you think might spring a surprise this time around? It seems strange to say France given their heritage and pedigree but they’ve been too shambolic for too long and given the last group game is against England... this might be the tournament French rugby begins something of a renaissance.

Beyond the rugby pitch, have you experienced Japan before, and if so, can you give us an insight into the experience as well as what you are most looking forward to about being there this time? If not, what are you most excited about experiencing? I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Japan twice and both were memorable experiences, the football World Cup in 2002 and the Winter Olympics in Nagano four years earlier. They were aa window into fabulous food, the politest people, and bullet trains that live up to all the hype. Men in white gloves stand in exactly the right spot on the platform and usher you, exactly on time, into your carriage before you’re whisked to your destination at the speed of light. What a place!

JONNY WILKINSON Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time? This autumn Japan will be the central focus of the rugby world as we build up to a very evenly balanced and exciting World Cup. On the field I can't wait to see the hosts Japan in the opening game and see how the Northern hemisphere fair against their Southern counterparts throughout. I know Japan will bring a unique flavour to a brilliant competition and I am looking forward to seeing what rugby and its spirit can do for Japan and its fans in return. Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup and why? It's as open an RWC as we have ever had. I think England are in great shape showing that they are peaking at the right time with their warm up internationals but I also think Wales are in good condition going in. New Zealand will be favourites and rightly so. My dark horse team is South Africa Which players are you looking forward to watching? I am looking forward to watching all the younger and more experienced players do their thing but guys like Ireland’s Garry Ringrose, Finn Russell from Scotland, England’s Manu Tuilagi and Tom Curry, All Blacks hooker Dane Coles, the Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard and the Japan captain Michael Leitch will

be really interesting viewing. Who - whether a team or player - do you think might spring a surprise this time around? I think there will always be at least two, maybe three big surprises at each World Cup. I think that amongst others, the teams to watch for these are Fiji, France, Scotland and Argentina who seem to cause problems at the big tournament for lots of teams and Japan, the hosts whom are capable of anything with their public behind them. Beyond the rugby pitch, have you experienced Japan before, and if so, can you give us an insight into the experience as well as what you are most looking forward to about being there this time? If not, what are you most excited about experiencing? I have experienced Japan a few times but unfortunately my main trip there was one that I spent mostly in hospital with appendicitis!! One thing I know is that there is a massive focus on getting things right and doing things well and also an incredible welcoming warmth about the people and an intense focus upon details too. It is a great mix for a World Cup. They will set a beautiful and very different platform that will allow the rugby and the tournament to flourish and bring us all together the way it always does.

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL

Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time? Having never been to Japan, I'm hugely excited about the prospect of the Rugby World Cup taking place for the first time in Asia. If we want to grow the game, we've got to try new markets, trying to access new fans and encourage first time viewers. For the first time ever, I genuinely feel we could have six or seven different winners, which makes it the most open RWC ever.

Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup and why?

England are now looking particularly impressive and seem to be judging their return to prominence perfectly in time for Japan. If you beat them I think you might win the RWC. Which players are you looking forward to watching? Damien Penaud is in excellent form for France and is so good to watch with ball in hand. The question is will we see him competing beyond the pool stages with France being in the group of death. Who - whether a team or player - do you think might spring a surprise this time around? Japan having home advantage and new found RWC confidence derived from their giant slaying exploits of 4 years ago must fancy their chances of causing an upset. In a group with Scotland and Ireland as the teams to beat for a quarter final slot they must be licking their lips at the prospect of creating their own history. Beyond the rugby pitch, have you experienced Japan before, and if so, can you give us an insight into the experience as well as what you are most looking forward to about being there this time? If not, what are you most excited about experiencing? I’ve never been to Japan before so am hugely excited to experience a new culture I’ve heard so much about. I’m busy listening to podcasts and reading what I can on a country that seems to have so much to offer.

SAM WARBURTON

Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time?

All eyes should be on Japan 2019 as I believe it will be the most competitive Rugby World Cup that I’ve ever seen as a fan or player. I believe the strength of the Tier 2 and 3 nations is the strongest we would have seen and I cannot wait to see how they perform. Japan will undoubtedly put on a fantastic show and with their many passionate supporters and all from around the world, this

World Cup will be an enormous global springboard for Rugby Union into the future.

Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup and why? South Africa. Which players are you looking forward to watching? Joe Cokanasiga (Eng), Tom Curry (Eng), Samu Kerevi (Aus). Who - whether a team or player - do you think might spring a surprise this time around? Japan and Fiji. Beyond the rugby pitch, have you experienced Japan before, and if so, can you give us an insight into the experience as well as what you are most looking forward to about being there this time? If not, what are you most excited about experiencing? I haven’t been, but I think the enthusiasm from the crowd will be fantastic.

MAGGIE ALPHONSI

Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time? This is going to be the most competitive, unpredictable and entertaining World Cup we have ever seen. It will be a tough one to call. Many teams have already shown they are capable of winning the Webb Ellis Cup but come tournament time anything can happen. With the tournament taking place in Asia for the very first time, teams will have to acclimatise to the conditions and that could play a big factor in how teams perform. You will also get the opportunity to see the beauty of Japan as games will be played across the country, which will give you an insight into the wonderful hospitality and culture of Japan. The momentum is building and the stage is set for what is going to be an enthralling tournament which you won’t want to miss. Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup and why?

I think New Zealand will win the Rugby World Cup. Regardless of the losses they have had over the past year, they are still a team you cannot discount. They know how to win a World Cup and how to peak at the right time. They also have depth and calibre in their squad and it’s that experience and belief in their own ability which will guide them through to the final. Which players are you looking forward to watching? The players I am looking forward to seeing are Sam Underhill and Tom Curry. I’m most excited about seeing how this backrow partnership develops and how they fair against the world’s best. Who - whether a team or player - do you think might spring a surprise this time around? South Africa may be a surprise. They finished third at the last World Cup and experienced that shock defeat to Japan in the pool stages. They then struggled to find form after that tournament, but over the last year since the change in management and captain they have been showing much signs of improvement and had a good Rugby Championship 2019. Beyond the rugby pitch, have you experienced Japan before, and if so, can you give us an insight into the experience as well as what you are most looking forward to about being there this time? If not, what are you most excited about experiencing? Yes I have, I have been there twice. The people and the culture are amazing and are incredibly welcoming. Tokyo is bright, busy and full of energy. There is so much to explore. It’s a city you have to visit and be prepared to get lost in, but just embrace it! I’m looking forward to going there, sampling the food, visiting Mount Fuji and having a ride on the bullet train.

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time?

We've had three incredible World Cups in the last 12 months. Gareth Southgate's rejuvenated England in Russia, the England Women's team inspired a generation this year, followed by England Cricket going one further to become World Champions in spectacular fashion. Now it's England Rugby's turn and I think we're in a great position. What an opportunity Eddie and the players have to showcase the game and give fans more to shout about. It promises to be the most open tournament in years which is fantastic, but being in Japan it will be truly special. With a national side who became overnight fan favourites four years ago with their heroics against South Africa and who as a nation I'm sure will embrace everything and host an unforgettable event. I can't wait.

SIR IAN MCGEECHAN

Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time? The Rugby World Cup has become such an exciting and significant tournament as a global sporting event, I am looking forward to seeing its impact on an emerging rugby country, where it will be played for the first time. Japan beating South Africa in 2015 set this up beautifully. On the field it’s really interesting, as on their day any of the top eight teams could beat each other. This could lead to some less predictable head to heads in the knock-out stages. At least four teams will think they can win this.

Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup and why? I still think NZ are the team to beat. Their recent defeats and loss of the Rugby Championship to South Africa will make them more determined to be right at the RWC, and more dangerous. The head to head with SA will be worth waiting for. Which players are you looking forward to watching? The player I will excited to see will be Manu Tuilagi. He is a game changer and he is in the best shape I have ever seen him. When he was last fully fit he was

instrumental in England's win over NZ at Twickenham. The other player I will watch with interest is Beauden Barrett. He too is a match winner, but I am interested to see whether Steve Hansen plays him at 10 for the key games, he too is a match winner. Who - whether a team or player - do you think might spring a surprise this time around? Wales are the team I think could go all the way, and although they now have Number 1 ranking, I think the Southern Hemisphere teams still think they will have control. I will be intrigued to follow the big head to heads in each group as the top seven countries have the ability to produce a win against the others. This could lead to some surprises in the knockout stages, an England v Wales quarter-final springs to mind. France and Australia are the ones who could be surprising as they both benefit from being together for a good long build up which takes them away from the weaknesses within their systems. They have both been consistent RWC performers. Beyond the rugby pitch, have you experienced Japan before, and if so, can you give us an insight into the experience as well as what you are most looking forward to about being there this time? If not, what are you most excited about experiencing? Japan will be a new experience for me. I admire their culture and I am excited about experiencing it first hand.

BRYAN HABANA Why should all eyes be on Japan this autumn - what are you most looking forward to about the Rugby World Cup 2019 - in terms of the on-pitch action, plus the tournament being staged in Japan for the first time? With a World Cup which promises to be so uniquely different to any other World Cup previously hosted with it being on the Asian continent for the first time ever and with a cultural experience that many rugby players, fans and viewers will never have witnessed before, Rugby World Cup 2019 is surely going to be an event that will draw many new fans to the beautiful game. This tournament is just too tight to call with regards to who the eventual winner

will be, given that any of the top seven teams in World Rugby currently can realistically go on to win it, but also that all other teams participating could cause some real upsets. This makes for some eagerly anticipated matches.

ITV RUGBY WORLD CUP SCHEDULE (UK)(JPN)

1 Fri 20-Sep 11:45 19:45 TOKYO Japan v Russia ITV

Fri 20-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

2 Sat 21-Sep 5:45 13:45 SAPPORO Australia v Fiji ITV

3 Sat 21-Sep 8:15 16:15 TOKYO France v Argentina ITV

4 Sat 21-Sep 10:45 18:45 YOKOHAMA New Zealand v South Africa ITV Sat 21-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

5 Sun 22-Sep 6:45 14:45 HANAZONO Italy v Namibia ITV

6 Sun 22-Sep 8:45 16:45 YOKOHAMA Ireland v Scotland ITV

7 Sun 22-Sep 11:15 19:15 SAPPORO England v Tonga ITV

Sun 22-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

8 Mon 23-Sep 11:15 19:15 TOYOTA Wales v Georgia ITV

Mon 23-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

9 Tue 24-Sep 11:15 19:15 KUMAGAYA Russia v Samoa ITV4 Tue 24-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

10 Wed 25-Sep 6:15 14:15 KAMAISHI Fiji v Uruguay ITV4 Wed 25-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

11 Thu 26-Sep 8:45 16:45 FUKUOKA Italy v Canada ITV4

12 Thu 26-Sep 11:45 19:45 KOBE England v USA ITV

Thu 26-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

13 Sat 28-Sep 5:45 13:45 HANAZONO Argentina v Tonga ITV

14 Sat 28-Sep 8:15 16:15 SHIZUOKA Japan v Ireland ITV

15 Sat 28-Sep 10:45 18:45 TOYOTA South Africa v Namibia ITV

Sat 28-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

16 Sun 29-Sep 6:15 14:15 KUMAGAYA Georgia v Uruguay ITV

17 Sun 29-Sep 8:45 16:45 TOKYO Australia v Wales ITV

Sun 29-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

18 Mon 30-Sep 11:15 19:15 KOBE Scotland v Samoa ITV

Mon 30-Sep HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

19 Wed 2-Oct 8:45 16:45 FUKUOKA France v USA ITV4

20 Wed 2-Oct 11:15 19:15 OITA New Zealand v Canada ITV4 Wed 2-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

21 Thu 3-Oct 6:15 14:15 HANAZONO Georgia v Fiji ITV4

22 Thu 3-Oct 11:15 19:15 KOBE Ireland v Russia ITV

Thu 3-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

23 Fri 4-Oct 10:45 18:45 SHIZUOKA South Africa v Italy ITV4

Fri 4-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

24 Sat 5-Oct 6:15 14:15 OITA Australia v Uruguay ITV

25 Sat 5-Oct 9:00 17:00 TOKYO England v Argentina ITV

26 Sat 5-Oct 11:30 19:30 TOYOTA Japan v Samoa ITV

Sat 5-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

27 Sun 6-Oct 5:45 13:45 TOKYO New Zealand v Namibia ITV

28 Sun 6-Oct 8:45 16:45 KUMAMOTO France v Tonga ITV Sun 6-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

29 Tue 8-Oct 11:15 19:15 KOBE South Africa v Canada ITV4 Tue 8-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

30 Wed 9-Oct 5:45 13:45 KUMAGAYA Argentina v USA ITV4

31 Wed 9-Oct 8:15 16:15 SHIZUOKA Scotland v Russia ITV

32 Wed 9-Oct 10:45 18:45 OITA Wales v Fiji ITV

Wed 9-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

33 Fri 11-Oct 11:15 19:15 SHIZUOKA Australia v Georgia ITV4 Fri 11-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4

34 Sat 12-Oct 5:45 13:45 TOYOTA New Zealand v Italy ITV

35 Sat 12-Oct 9:15 17:15 YOKOHAMA England v France ITV

36 Sat 12-Oct 11:45 19:45 FUKUOKA Ireland v Samoa ITV

Sat 12-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

37 Sun 13-Oct 4:15 12:15 KAMAISHI Namibia v Canada ITV

38 Sun 13-Oct 6:45 14:45 HANAZONO USA v Tonga ITV

39 Sun 13-Oct 9:15 17:15 KUMAMOTO Wales v Uruguay ITV

40 Sun 13-Oct 11:45 19:45 YOKOHAMA Japan v Scotland ITV

Sun 13-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

41 Sat 19-Oct 8:15 16:15 OITA W Pool C v RU Pool D ITV

42 Sat 19-Oct 11:15 19:15 TOKYO W Pool B v RU Pool A ITV

Sat 19-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

43 Sun 20-Oct 8:15 16:15 OITA W Pool D v RU Pool C ITV

44 Sun 20-Oct 11:15 19:15 TOKYO W Pool A v RU Pool B ITV

Sun 20-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

45 Sat 26-Oct 9:00 17:00 YOKOHAMA W QF1 v W QF2 ITV

Sat 26-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

46 Sun 27-Oct 9:00 18:00 YOKOHAMA W QF3 v W QF4 ITV

Sun 27-Oct HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

47 Fri 1-Nov 9:00 18:00 TOKYO Bronze Final v Bronze Final ITV

Fri 1-Nov HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV

48 Sat 2-Nov 9:00 18:00 YOKOHAMA Final v Final ITV

Sat 2-Nov HIGHLIGHTS ITV4 ITV